A-G warns on social media use

Lead roles ... Prefects of Suva Primary School were all smiles after their induction ceremony yesterday.
Picture: JOVESA NAISUA

THERE is so much racism, religious vilification and character assassination on social media in Fiji, says Attorney-General and Education Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

While addressing students of Gospel High School in Samabula, Suva yesterday, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum reminded those present to be vigilant about what they read online.

"We have, for example, this two may be sitting quite innocently, a photograph may be taken of them, five years later when he's married and she's married somebody may take the photograph and say this two used to have a thing going together," Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

He said Government was now looking at implementing regulations that would help address such issues.

"In Australia for example, that is now illegal to do. They've passed a few laws; they've passed a few standards. They have what they call the protection of children. These are some of the things that we are actually looking at doing so you have to be mindful of that," he said.

"Use it wisely, it's a great tool, great source of information, great source of keeping in touch with your friends, but use it wisely."

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said people should be more discerning when reading online material and must check the validity of the information posted.